Search results for ""i2i publishing""

This is the story of a Yorkshire lad, who, aged three, was taken to live in South Africa. A rapscallion, or worse, Peter Conway came to the attention of the Johannesburg police and then, the South African Defence Force. As Peter’s scrapes escalated, he was shrewdly manipulated into serving, first the Apartheid South African Government and then, following Nelson Mandela’s assumption of the Presidency, the new masters of this achingly beautiful land. Intelligence officer, infantryman in the Bush War in Angola, Hells Angel, brothel keeper, drug smuggler and mercenary, Peter was all these and more. In 2004, together with Simon Mann, Mark Thatcher and others, Peter participated in the Wonga Coup, the failed attempt to overthrow the Government of Equatorial Guinea. Finally, the venality and cynicism of modern South African governance became too much and in 2012, aged forty-six, Peter abandoned the land of his dreams to live in England and write this memoir. Thy Will be Done discloses a frighteningly violent dysfunctionality, bordering upon anarchy, both in present-day South Africa and elsewhere in that continent. It is no read for the faint-hearted, but for those interested in one of the fastest growing and yet most dangerous parts of our world, it’s a must.

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Distinguished service in the RAF led to a career in the aeronautical industry

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Gary Markwick has used his incredible insight and experience of the human psyche to provide us with an antidote to the stresses and tensions that beset our lives today. Now it Begins has, at its heart, the simple assertion that once you can let go of illusion and draw upon a deeper, universal source of motivation, then you will reconnect with your true purpose on earth. The book is illustrated throughout with ancient learning and stories that gently bring home the important points being made. Now it Begins will consistently inspire and encourage people on their exciting journey to freedom and fulfilment. There has probably never been a time when a book like this has been so necessary and the reader will find both comfort and inspiration among its pages. It is now time to stop serving the illusion and see the reality. It is your awakening, So...NOW IT BEGINS.

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City boys Daniel and Charles have worked for years in the financial sector selling stocks, shares and other assets. As their lifestyles and personal expenses expand, they decide to start their own trading business. They believe they know how to realise their fortune in simple, if not always legitimate, ways.

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Award winning journalist and broadcaster Steve Levinson takes you on a forty-five-year journey from the age of the hot metal linotype operator to the era of YouTube, social media and AI. His fascinating personal adventure from student newspaper to media entrepreneur follows what is regarded as the classic journalist career path – taking in provincial press, national news agency, Fleet Street daily, national TV news and on to the internet and beyond. It is a journey that offers not only a unique insight but raises important questions about how changing technology has blurred the line between real and fake news. This is a personal story containing many anecdotes alongside encounters with the likes of Margaret Thatcher, Nelson Mandela, business leaders and Nobel Prize Winners. You will also meet less famous but fascinating characters including militant coal miners, eighty-year-old tea boys, and boozy journalists in backstreet pubs. So what happened to the era of scrambling to find public phone boxes, of smoke filled newsrooms, clanking typewriters, hot metal presses and cuttings libraries? Has the media world that has replaced it, the new world of mobile phones, bloggers, video journalists, internet searches, social media and AI made things better or as seems more likely, undermined the foundations of good journalism? In this book, the author shows the extent to which these changes raise the question: ‘Is Good Journalism Dead?’ Steve Levinson has been one of Britain’s leading journalists and broadcasters for almost half a century. He has worked for many of the UK’s top news organisations including the Press Association, the BBC, the Independent and Channel 4 News. He is married with two grown children and now spends his time as a media consultant and a Blue Badge guide. He is a lifelong fan of Tottenham Hotspur, an association which had a big impact on the start of his career.

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Working within the funeral business is not what most people would expect. `Tradition,' `Care,' `Respect,' are words that we would normally associate with funeral companies. One man who knows, better than most, what really goes on, is Brian Woodworth. He started his career in Salford back in 1985 and has now penned this account of his working life. He goes into great detail to describe his journey through the last thirty odd years. From humorous stories to tragic deaths; the book encompasses his dealings with clergy, morticians, other funeral staff, gangsters, murderers and people bereft of common sense. It's all here. `Wooden Overcoat' throws a bright light on the shadowy world of those whose business is death. Some of the stories will make you laugh; some will make you cry, and some will certainly shock you. The final message from the author is:- `Do today what you were planning to do tomorrow - as tomorrow isn't guaranteed. Health is wealth.' Biography. Born in 1968 Brian began his career in funerals in 1985. In 1987 he married Pauline. They have four children and today live on the outskirts of Leigh, in Greater Manchester. Brian dedicates this book to all those who never got to live their dreams and to all those who never got to say goodbye .

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The name Cliff Slade will be instantly recognised as a frequent and indefatigable correspondent to the Letters to the Editor columns. This book is written in the first person, as being most appropriate for someone who is speaking directly to his audience. This is a very personal journey in letters. It is touching and different insofar as it provides detailed insight into the life and mind of a man, the author, his relationships with his family and his take on local society, business, and politics. This is accomplished through the sharing of letters, only some of which have previously been published. However, this is not just a book of letters, along the lines of `The Times Great Letters’ as there is depth, emotion, pain, laughter, joy, sadness, and a progressive personal and emotional journey of accomplishment and enlightenment. Each correspondence is introduced, and most have accompanying explanations and information about the background and reason for each of the letters that have been included. Beginning with what motivated his writing, he reflects on his upbringing by delving into his childhood and the reasons that explain why he finds it easier to communicate through the written word, rather than verbally. An excellent sense of humour is clearly evident in the self-depreciatory letters written to the paper under a pseudonym and in his letters to himself. The account of when the author met his wife and their marriage, ups and downs and all, along with his thoughts about life as a parent and his children, is very touching in its openness and honesty. He doesn’t claim celebrity status and claims to be from an ordinary walk of life. In this remarkable book, Cliff shares his life and part of himself with the audience with a great deal of emotion. With an auto-biographical narrative, we are regularly moved from tears to amusement and back again.

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This is a book reinforcing water safety rules for children of all abilities, incorporating sign language symbols and strategies to help children aged 4-7 help a friend or sibling with additional needs.

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100 Themed Quizzes with a Foreword by Jenny Ryan of ITVs The Chase

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The story of the gradual rise but ultimate demise of a soldier, colonial administrator and diplomat from an Irish background in the Victorian era of the British Empire. The book takes us through the life of Cornelius Alfred Moloney from his early days as a young army officer and then his career as he rose up the colonial diplomatic hierarchy to positions of seniority in West Africa and the Caribbean. As his life and career evolved, Moloney demonstrated a deep commitment to the countries and people he became responsible for and in his writings, showed this loyalty in promoting the local economies he represented. A growing appreciation and love of botany was central to his activities and the book lays out his relationship with the Botanic Gardens in Kew and how this helped him promote his botanical interests overseas, raising the botanical profile of the countries he worked in. Ultimately, a successful career ended in ignominy and an intriguing aspect of Moloney’s story is why things fell apart when they did, at a time he was at the height of his success. The book will be of interest to those keen on colonial history and the Irish contribution to empire with the twist of a person who became deeply drawn to merging the botanical and the economic interests of West Africa.

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A mysterious symmetry between a series of apparent murders and suicides committed simultaneously in different types of properties around Manchester presents a most perplexing puzzle for recently-promoted DI Shelly King. “The Fellowship” purports to be The New Testament Learning Fellowship, but we ultimately learn that NTLF actually stands for something completely different. Whilst the founder of NTLF aims for ‘societal improvement’, the solution is much more sinister. The author is a master of interweaving multiple plots and taunting the reader with snippets of clues which only become relevant much later in the book. In between fascinating descriptions of how the CID operate, we are treated to superbly written and graphic descriptions of such things as the agony of poisoning, lesbian lovemaking and bondage, the latter not all consensual. Although an overworked cliché, this book unquestionably is one which most readers will not be able to put down. The gripping and compulsive challenges the officers face never cease to surprise and excite. Most readers will probably develop at least some affection for the characters who toil under the relentless pressure faced by the police, and many may even shed a tear when one pays the ultimate price.

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"I sank to my knees in despair. Incredibly, despite being in a tropical jungle I was cold, really cold. I was shivering from head to foot. The adrenaline that had brought me this far had finally run out and I collapsed to the ground. And that's when I was attacked.” Running and flying the world for over 40 years was finally coming to an end. During that time, I had become the World's most experienced Boeing 747 Captain. I had combined my flying with running the equivalent of a marathon every week for four decades. My flying career was at an end. Running had been a passion that had taken me into places and situations that were both exciting and dangerous. I could no longer fly the 747 but at least I was still young enough to run as fast as I ever could. And then I was overtaken by a butterfly.

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The Road from Kharkiv: A Journey of Pain in Pursuit of Love, God and Sense is a story of the author’s spiritual development as she dealt with a life-threatening situation of extreme adversity. At first hand, Katheryna Fedorova and her family faced the terrifying experience of Russia’s military invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. Based in Kharkiv, the family decided to leave their home and flee westwards to find safety from the bombing and the fighting. Katheryna and her family commenced their long trip, beginning an uncertain, stressful and challenging odyssey. Taking up offers, often from well-meaning strangers and unknown organisations, received from her extensive network of contacts on social media, the family found refuge in various places in Ukraine, Romania and Austria. Throughout the trip, Katheryna’s faith kept her going and helped her look after her family while still assisting other people along the way. Through it all, Katheryna’s spiritual views and beliefs evolved as her interactions with others presented the opportunities for life lessons to be learned. The Road from Kharkiv: A Journey of Pain in Pursuit of Love, God and Sense will appeal to those interested in spiritual and personal development; how to deal with adversity; the philosophy of life; and those keen to read a first-hand experience of the Ukraine-Russian war.

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The British Campaign for Soviet Jewry 1966-1991: Human Rights and Exit Permits is the first full length study of the movement based on primary sources. The book tells the story of one of the three or four most significant events of twentieth century Jewish history. Almost 1.5 million Jews left the Soviet Union mainly for Israel and the United States. According to Natan Sharansky, the international human rights campaign was the most successful such movement in history. It was one of the principal props of the Soviet dissidents campaigning, and an important factor that led to the humbling of the regime and the eventual disintegration of the Soviet Empire. It was also a rare example of the reversal of an attempt at Cultural Genocide, that the Soviet Union had intended to inflict on its Jewish citizens. The book attempts to weave the exciting story of the British movement in its international context in a fluent and readable manner. It focusses on its various components – the women and students and the National Council for Soviet Jewry; and differentiating it from its American counterparts, and the Israeli government, which attempted to guide its over-all strategy. While it covers the changing attitude of the British government to human rights from Harold Wilson to Margaret Thatcher, it also details the trials and tribulations of a countless number of Jewish and other dissidents and their supporters overseas. They bravely defied not only Stalin and his successors but the secret police and enabled the mass migration of Soviet Jewry to happen.

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'The Gifting' is a complex novel, concerning, as it does, a dead man’s arrival in Heaven - or is it Hell? (or maybe somewhere else. It’s really a state rather than a place.) We are with him on his post-mortem journey as he relates the story of his mortal existence from retirement to his violent death. So, effectively, we experience two autobiographies running side-by-side - one of our hero’s ‘afterlife' and the other of his mortal existence. It’ll make you think. The conclusion is stunning.

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Our world is a turbulent and uncertain place and many of us are seeking answers but reading all the self-help books and going on the many retreats, in an attempt to find inner peace, doesn’t always give us what we are seeking. If this sounds like something you have been struggling with, then know you are not alone. My journey has had its ups, downs and a whole lot in between and sometimes all we truly need is someone to explain their experiences to help us navigate our own path. I won’t pretend I am morally perfect; I am a sinner in a broken world. Where I have been exposed to darkness, I have used my own inner light to battle it and I now find myself in a place where I want to help you make sense of this world gone mad, giving you inspiration on how to flourish, during this thing called life. I am a butterfly woman. I have changed and grown and become something so beautiful, that I’m not sure the old me would recognise anymore. I will continue to lead my simple and peaceful life, knowing that I am enough, dropping into my intuitive intelligent heart and spreading my wings to fly. Delve in and accompany me on this ride, cosmic womb man.

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Bob Saunders was called up for National Service on VJ (Victory in Japan) Day, 1945, at the age of 18. Early the following year, he was posted to India, where he stayed during the momentous era of Partition, before returning to England in October 1947. A few years after returning from India, Bob opened his own travel agency in Batley, a town eight miles south of Leeds, having been greatly impressed by his experiences of India and travel during his National Service. Bob decided to call his travel agency PhotoTravel, as the business sold not only holidays and luggage, but also photographic services. A neighbour suggested he used a European spelling, ‘Foto’ instead, and so FotoTravel was born. The agency was approved by ABTA and Bob ran it for over 25 years. Lotus of Kashmir has taken Bob 75 years to complete! The book is based on Bob’s diaries of his time in India from 1946-47, and two or three years ago, around 2019-20, he began to add the romantic fiction element. Bob finally completed this task in 2022.

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The reader will find a veritable feast of delightful short stories and poetry in Crossroads as the authors write of topics ranging from suspense, city and crime to discovering a parody of poetry and stories about life with hope. Although developed during a difficult world-wide pandemic, they have written with humour and expectation, stating their viewpoints with feeling on a variety of subjects and thoughts about our world and its future.

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As China flexes its political and economic might, one man at the highest levels in the Chinese government turns Mao’s dictum – Power comes from the barrel of a gun – on its head. After centuries of China’s humiliation, he plots world domination without firing a shot. Putting China on top of the world’s power structure by damaging her competitors, his Triad-linked plan brings a new level of secrecy and ruthless operation to its way of doing business. Communicated to the members of its network though an ancient Chinese dialect, the rogue elements within the Government implementing the plan, face opposition. Despite suffering and death, only a courageous few stand in the way. A Democracy Movement within China along with the security services of the international community outside of the Middle Kingdom become aware of the Golden Horde plot and are committed to its failure. Who will prevail? Can the hordes of the new Khan be stopped before it’s too late?

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This is the story of a man whose working life was way beyond the experience of most men. He faced great danger during his career whether walking, sailing or driving across the Equator. His journeys did not end there, as he has also flown or sailed across every ocean and sea on this planet. He has spent over five thousand hours in the air as a pilot or passenger in forty-seven different types of aircraft, from a small Cessna to a Boeing B-747 Jumbo Jet. Another truly impressive statistic is that he has lived or visited ninety-two countries. Marriage, divorce, treachery, affairs, killings, corruption, and so much more were part of his extraordinary life. Thanks to his meticulous and precious logbooks, the unbelievable real-life adventures of this RAF Officer, Diplomat and Gentleman can now be told.

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Bryan Charnley: Art and Adversity combines biography and monograph. The painter's life defined his art, his art defined his life. James Charnley was witness to the adversities experienced by his twin and the evolution of his art. His book surveys the artist's childhood, adolescence and the madness that was to afflict his life and found consummate expression in the paintings. Augmented by interviews, journals, medical records, letters and diaries this book provides an informed and fascinating study of a turbulent life and the art this inspired. Bryan Charnley was a gifted artist who applied his painterly skills to describe the invisible: mental anguish is largely internalised. The works he created use metaphorical imagery to describe existential dilemmas. It was by such devices the artist intended to restore painting to its inceptive purpose and conviction. Bryan Charnley: Art and Adversity presents his paintings with all their colour, intensity and eloquence.

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This book contains 80 of the best ‘novelty’ rounds that the author has compiled since becoming a quizmaster in 1987. Whilst most quiz books have standard topic rounds of geography, history, TV, sport etc plus general knowledge rounds, what makes this book slightly different is the theme that each round is based on. That theme could be a particular letter, a hidden word, a certain pattern, anagrams, palindromes, length of answer, even dodgy jokes! This book is being published in a uniquely different and difficult year for almost everyone, a year in which quizzing has become even more popular, so I hope that it proves to be a useful tool for people’s well-being.

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The story take place in present-day Athens on a beach and adjacent café over two winters. This location, the weather and a love of the sea, bring an eclectic group of people together on Sundays, to pursue their passion for swimming. Sundays revolve around Betty, her café, her son Jacob and Louli, the brindled cat. The swimmers, of all ages, backgrounds and types, have their views on life in Athens as economic, political and social tensions across Europe take effect on Greece. As well as swimming, they relax together, using the café and the beach as their oasis in difficult times. A mysteriously staged suicide sets events in motion which will affect them all to various degrees. Against this clandestine backdrop, the stories unfold about the swimmers’ lives, past and present and their hopes for the future. They experience happiness and joy, tragedy and loss and become close friends who try to help each other wherever possible. For those who have visited Greece and fallen in love with the land and the people, the book may offer a deeper insight into realities of life there and to Greeks, many of the characters and stories may seem all too familiar. The Winter Swimmers’ Club has a message about the positive power of love and friendship and how it can sustain us and offer us all hope in the face of adversity. The story unfolds with a dose of romance, mystery and a passion for life which should entertain readers of all ages.

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Reluctant Rebels: My Family’s Fight for Survival is an inspiring story about the author’s battle with cancer and the significant impacts of that experience on her family. After a diagnosis of leukaemia at the age of eight, author Samantha Wilson went through a terrible journey of pain and suffering into her teenage years. Told that their child had weeks to live, her parents, Bernard and Kathleen didn’t give up. Turning to herbal medicine, they sought help from a well-known local herbalist, Mr Abbott and gradually, Samantha recovered. The book tells the story of how Samantha and her family dealt with the shock of the diagnosis and then, through relentless caring and support, helped her to survive. Step by step, Samantha began to live a normal life. Nonetheless, as well as a bout of meningitis, Samantha suffered bullying at the hands of both the children in her community and fierce objections from the authorities who tried to block her parents’ efforts to care for her outside the official system. After surviving a court case and media scrutiny, somehow, Samantha grew into adulthood and made a life for herself. But there were scars which remained affecting her own wellbeing, her parents’ marriage and her older brother who had been so supportive in helping her to stay alive. Years later, Samantha was diagnosed with ankylosing spondylitis and experienced a period of time suffering with mental health issues. She also had to help her family through difficult times and traumatic experiences. Reluctant Rebels: My Family’s Fight for Survival is a story that will give readers hope. At the time of her leukaemia diagnosis, most children suffering with the condition did not survive. With her family’s support and the help of complementary medicine, Samantha pulled through, an example of alternative therapy and what it can achieve. She faced all of these challenges with a firm commitment to stay positive and do what had to be done. Samantha Wilson went on to achieve an BSc in Complementary Medicine at Salford University and a PGDE at the University of Bolton. She is the Joint Owner/Managing Director at the White Opal Beauty and Holistic Training Academy. She lives in Bury, Greater Manchester, with her husband Brian and in her spare time, loves to see her son Ryan and his family and to go for long walks with her dog, Rio. Samantha hopes that Reluctant Rebels: My Family’s Fight for Survival will raise awareness of complementary medicine and help the sufferers of leukaemia and their families to never give up hope.

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Brian Woodworth was born in 1968 and became one of England's longest serving funeral workers. He has clocked up 35 years of service working in the Salford area of Manchester. His first book ‘Wooden Overcoat’ went into great detail, telling the story of his working life. It is a life working in death and sold copies all over the world, but that wasn't his first choice of career. His latest book ‘Back to Bassingbourn’ takes a nostalgic look through his childhood, growing up in the small working-class town of Little Hulton. It tells of his school days, enlisting in the Army in 1984 during a time of mass unemployment, and the often brutal regime of training within a British Army infantry regiment. During his time at Bassingbourn Barracks near Royston, he met and married Pauline in 1987. We then follow Brian through to his time with Greater Manchester Special Constabulary and subsequently his visits back to the place where it all began, ‘Bassingbourn.’ ‘Back to Bassingbourn’ will be for many, an emotional trip down memory lane that will rekindle memories from 1980's Britain. Brian and Pauline have four children and today live in Cheshire. Brian dedicates this book to all the men, woman and dogs who defend our country, and to those who have given their lives in the service of their country, so that we can sleep safely in our beds.

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This husky, wolf story is a new addition to the great animal fiction tradition of Jack London and Erin Hunter, where the story is told through the eyes of the animals. Elizabeth Jade has created a captivating coming of age story which also teaches children about friendship and loyalty, and that being different doesn't mean you can't belong. It is a captivating chapter book for eight to twelve year-olds. Akea is born into a family of sled dogs and a life that follows a predictable path, but from the day she first sees the lone wolf, Kazakh, Akea knows her future lies beyond the safety of her home. Kazakh is well aware of Akea's destiny and the pack laws he will break to help her reach it. Regardless of the challenges ahead, he must make sure this young husky will be ready, even if it means his life.

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The English language version of Heinz Grill's German book on Yoga.

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The book takes 45 chart toppers and writes their story. The music, the lyrics, the artists, producers and writers are all discussed, as well as any side or back stories to do with the single.

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Forty-year-old firefighter Tommy Ferguson is an expert at fighting fires on the outskirts of Manchester. But this book is not primarily about the flaming embers of fires, but the burning embers of anguish caused by unbridled passion, infatuation and marital infidelity. The author skilfully describes how Tommy’s anguish builds up daily over six months. Increasingly obsessed with checking the movements and phone calls of his wife, Louise, Tommy unveils evidence of assignations between her and an older man. Tommy becomes convinced that his in-laws are conniving to turn their daughter in favour of the more distinguished Percy, who is a physiotherapist. Undoubtedly Tommy is a heavy-drinking, fiery-tempered, ‘one of the lads’. He is a product of Northern working-class culture which is portrayed in exquisite characterisation in the friends with whom Tommy goes to football matches. The ‘banter’ flows uncensored. But for Tommy, this was unimportant in comparison with his unwavering devotion to his wife and two children. Even during his visit to Moscow to witness Manchester United’s triumph in the Champions League Final, Tommy cannot overcome ‘the dark mist enveloping him’. Will Tommy succeed in convincing Louise that his increasingly unrequited love remains stronger than ever? Or will Tommy’s torment take a terrifying turn?

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Stories of the author's experiences while travelling around the UK to make speeches to branches of the WI.

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The auto-biography of a fireman who became an educationist.

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Get ready for a high-octane thriller that will keep you on the edge of your seat! Luke, an intellectually brilliant but socially awkward data scientist, lands a dream job at a prestigious Silicon Valley tech company. Teaming up with the sharp-tongued ex-hacker Ada and Clark, scion of a famous venture capitalist, their journey takes them into the heart of California's tech hub where artificial intelligence is about to change the world. But their lives take an unexpected turn when a string of mysterious deaths rocks the tech scene. Driven by the desire to make things right, they launch an investigation and discover a far-reaching conspiracy lurking beneath the glimmering surface of the Valley. As they venture into forbidden territory, survive adrenaline-fueled break-ins, and become hunted by the authorities, they expose a terrible truth. But time is running out! Can they prevent the upcoming apocalypse? THE SCAEVOLA CONSPIRACY is a pulse-pounding tech thriller that delves deep into the underbelly of Silicon Valley, combining gripping suspense with cutting-edge technology. Luke's electrifying adventure will leave you breathless, reminding us that sometimes the greatest heroes are those who dare to challenge the boundaries between the virtual and the real.

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“Grandad’s coming today, you better be ready” It was those words from her parents that left Bobbin both nervous and excited as she was to stay with her Great Grandfather and her Great Grandmother Gigi for the first time on her own. It was to be the beginning of an awesome experience and awakening, as gently at first her beloved Grandad and Gigi opened her eyes to the wonders and mysteries of the natural world and the gift she had. Through a series of adventures, you are introduced to the Lord Devon, his family and his wise councillor Alfred the Owl and all the other animals through the seasons.

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'Poor Albert had. always been a happy frog until one day someone shouted. out 'Albert's Got Big Feet.' He was most upset and. tried to hide away from all his friends until something happened. to make him feel much happier.·

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An easy to read training guide to becoming a successful sales person. Explained with humour and coloured illustrations

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Over the days and weeks that followed, it was difficult to keep up with changes as new roads and buildings sprouted up at an alarming rate; I have to say that most were positive changes, with oil revenues allocated to the various Five-Year plans. Ports would be expanded, hospitals and schools created, airports completely built from scratch, and then a plethora of new shopping centres to prevent us going short of anything! Sid Deeky was my Friend is a memoir recalling the days of expat life in Saudi Arabia between 1978-1985. From the daily rigour of port life to the sweeping deserts and hectic roads, Hunt's convivial recounting of his time at the Port of Jeddah covers a broad range of experiences, landscapes and interactions. Whether caught up in the daily drama of the port or cruising down Jeddah's Corniche Road in a signature Datsun, Hunt's account of expat life provides that sense of adventure which enticed so many members of Saudi Arabia's immigrant communities in the first place. Bright, poignant and occasionally tragic, this tale offers a window into expat life during an economic boom which utterly transformed the country - a transformation which would never have been possible without the immense effort of thousands of expats who migrated from Europe, Africa, the Americas and elsewhere in Asia in search of greater opportunities.

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The summer holidays had arrived and there was no School for six weeks. The weather was sunny and dry and time almost seemed endless. There was an atmosphere a feeling of excitement that something good and maybe even amazing was going to happen this holiday. Although Michael was a restless 10-year-old who liked the idea of adventure it usually only happened in his dreams and imagination. Michael could not explain how he felt and decided that he may have been wrong about this sense of excitement he was feeling especially as he had a disappointing start to his holidays. However, one day he was minding his own business the next minute he found himself experiencing a rollercoaster of an adventure, but this time it was happening for real!

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A unique poem to enhance every day of the Jewish year

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For Trisha, an unexpected romance and the delights of an ultra-luxurious cruise ship are suddenly subsumed into a saga of abduction, enslavement and torture. Initially, wonderful descriptions of the food, facilities and friendships which develop onboard induce an impression that this is a tale of exquisite escapism. An amorous relationship with the ship’s gym instructor culminates in a romantic ride in a horse-drawn carriage in the snow in Central Park, New York. This is just one of many exotic locations featured including Florida, Acapulco and California. The author is extremely adept at erotic and sexually-graphic prose but is also skilful at sudden and shocking surprises. These transform a tale of sumptuous normality into one of terrifying torment. Tricia’s refusal to join the harem of the son of an African potentate results in a string of appalling attempts at abduction. Eventually kidnapped, the heroin wakes to find herself in a cage on a Caribbean island. Trisha is a very intelligent and indomitable woman and when she refuses to cooperate in her enslavement she is beaten repeatedly with an electronic whip and punished with other fiendish torture devices. Will the damsel in distress ever be rescued by her Prince Charming?

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Les Mason approached the huge gates of the prison with apprehension; he rapped on a highly polished brass knocker and a fierce man in uniform appeared and beckoned him in. Nothing could have prepared him for what he would see, what he would witness, what he would become a part of or the dramatic effect it would have on his young life. Prisons hold a profound fascination for people and the author grips the reader’s attention with a humorous but sometimes harrowing story inviting us into the unseen world of two of the most infamous prisons in Britain. ‘High Walls and Iron Bars’ is a true account of a Prison Officer’s long and dedicated career from the day of his recruitment until his eventual retirement. You will enjoy this book.

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This moving account of true experiences in the early life of a young girl is all the more remarkable for the fact that at the time of writing the author was only twelve/thirteen years old. It begins as a charming story of life in a close-knit Asian family in England and the love of not only her parents but also her grandparents in India. Although at times she can be driven to distraction by the actions of her younger sisters, the need to set an example as the eldest sister always prevails. The story develops into a chronicle of dramas that culminated in the need to take her father to India to undergo life-saving neurosurgery and their return to find that their house had been burgled. The girl slowly realises that life is not always about happiness and great pleasures. It becomes a rollercoaster of experiences in which she learns that whilst some friends can be fake, there are also others who care for her. Life is like an ocean journey. The ocean can be angry, but the important thing is to stay calm and trust those who care for you. Soon you will be ashore because every ocean has an island.

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The author is a somewhat frustrated ‘weekend engineer’ with a small lathe and an old manual milling machine in his garage, whose day job doesn’t reflect his passion for making mechanical things. A chance discussion with a colleague culminated in him ordering a brand-new CNC (Computerised Numerical Control) mill from the USA. The machine is a Tormach® 770MX, a model aimed unashamedly at the high end of the hobbyist market, and certainly attracting the attention of small independent manufacturing ‘start-ups’, particularly in the United States. This book records his journey of getting to grips with assembling all the components and learning how to operate the machine. It is purposely not an instruction manual – the manufacturer has already seen to that need. It is more a chronological log of all processes from choosing the right machine through to getting it to make parts. Taking the not insignificant leap from manual machining to CNC manufacturing, in the domestic environment, is a steep learning curve and this book is intended to assist, with many top tips gleaned from ‘learning the hard way’, shared throughout. There are other excellent books out there, some mainly theoretical references, some siding with historical interest. The author envisaged a need for something more practical and hands-on. When he began his project, he couldn’t find a book like this.

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Vanessa Milano was born in England but now lives in the South of France with her French husband and family. The Heart of an Artichoke, her first novel, is based on true events: life as the daughter of a military father, living through riots in the Middle East; being pregnant in puritan England in 1967, life in a ‘Mother and Baby home,’ forced adoption; and the experience of being an Au Pair in France. It is also a story with one character always there in the background. That is the son taken from her after birth. Vanessa always longs for a reconciliation with her first-born, but will that ever happen? The reader is taken through the sixties and seventies and contrasts the differences between the stiff upper-lip English, who insist on doing ‘what's right,’ and the family loving Latinos, who accept reluctantly, but nevertheless, the unacceptable behaviour of their offspring.

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When Dan and Grace Hearn sell their haulage business in Derbyshire and retire to Anglesey, North Wales, their lives seem complete. Taking life easier and enjoying the beautiful island was a dream come true, especially for Grace who spent many happy childhood holidays there. Their world is shattered when Gabriel, one of their twin sons, inexplicably takes his own life on New Year’s Eve 2010. He fails to arrive at the family party being held at their luxury farmhouse on the outskirts of Beaumaris. Trying to establish why their son took his life, Dan conducts his own investigations which lead him to believe that something sinister had occurred in Gabriel’s past, at the hands of a family friend. Dan reconnects with his own estranged brother to enlist some help in his desperate search for the truth. Dan and his brother were born into a travelling family. Dan refused to embrace this heritage since he was left to fend for himself at the age of 15 – in contrast to his brother, who built a business empire that totally encompassed his heritage and celebrated his Romani roots. Jack Hearn is only too pleased to help his brother to prove his case theory, they reunite and Dan is drawn into Jack’s world. Jack is powerful and is willing to use anything at his disposal to deliver some closure to his grieving brother and his family. What secrets will be discovered and what will be Dan’s revenge? Will Grace ever know the truth?

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After a horrible war destroyed the Earth’s ecosystem, a hundred astronauts were sent to Mars to build colonies on the Red Planet. After years of following orders, they wanted nothing more than to leave the foreign land and come home. Their superiors disagree, begging them to finish the Human Mars Exodus mission. When secrets are revealed, the dynamic shifts and the boys choose to ignore the orders, deciding to return home on their own. Will they be able to defeat deadly Martian winds and find their way to salvation? Or will they fail and end up abandoned, or worse, buried on the Red Planet?

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When baby owls, Toot and Twoo McHoot discover that the wood where they live is in danger, they are determined to find out what's happening and save the day. On their big adventure, Toot and Twoo discover how brave they both are and that there are humans who want to help those living in the wood. They meet new creatures, see amazing things and even face danger! And through it all, God is always caring for them. Like Toot and Twoo, Shirley lives in beautiful Argyll in Scotland with her husband, Douglas. She wants to share her love of birds and the joy she found in reading stories to her own children and to write about the love God has for all He has created. All royalties from this book will go to support Mary's Meals which provides one good meal to some of the world's poorest children every school day. (https://www.marysmeals.org)

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After the passing of her beloved father, Sarah felt something inside that she had not felt before, a desperation for change. She decided to follow this feeling and dive into the world around her until she understood more. Her adventures took her everywhere, with new climates, cultures and beliefs and these experiences transformed Sarah into the person she is today. With her newfound independence Sarah embraced this growth with open arms and strived to reawaken her mind, body connection. ‘Beyond Gratitude: A Journey to Positivity’, invites you to come along for the ride. It will allow you to understand how your life can be transformed if you begin to investigate the power it holds. This book describes real people and real experiences to help you discover your own level of emotional well-being and support you in its development. Sarah now understands the importance of building connections rather than building possessions and hopefully this account will open up a new world of opportunity for you too.

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These matters are of importance to accept before handing the findings to more analytical minds, to read in the hope of presenting solutions. It was on the balcony at Hampton Court Palace that the work was done quietly, discreetly in what Thomas Wolsey referred to as 'The Silent Get Together'. Visually exciting, verbally incoherent and there for everyone to see - a unique format for success. Henry VIII would not allow freedom of speech. All discourse had to be in obeyance of an order, whether acceptable or not. Criticism was banished, suggestions discouraged or in most cases forbidden. Time allocated simply for acclamation and flattery. Henry's wealth was his comfort, ownership his power, dominance his acceptance, philanthropy his quest. The young king was renowned for revelling in undisputed control, an overriding criterion that painted his life colourful and entertaining. Exciting to a nation, his popularity gaining unequalled degrees of admiration. There is little doubt that Roux experienced the best years with the young Tudor King of England. A time of unprecedented wealth allowed for the conception of creative adventures, in turn generating larger than life characters. Fortunes were welcomed for extraordinary projects and designs, leaving a legacy of unsurpassed grandeur in which the next generation could delight.

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